Cincinnati Reds 2nd basemen Brandon Phillips is known for a lot of things.
He’s known for producing better offensive numbers than almost any National League 2nd baseman over last eight seasons, never hitting less than 17 home runs and driving in less than 75 runs just once (59 in 2010).
He’s known for posting a career-high 103 RBI last season.
On defense, Phillips is known for being a four-time gold glove winner, a magician with the glove, and a weekly candidate for a web gem despite the fact his range has become increasingly limited over the past few years.
Off the field, he’s known for being charismatic with a loud personality and a louder voice. Phillips talks to anybody and everybody that cares to listen, including teammates, opponents, fans, and the media.
But he’s not known for being quiet.
Things are different this spring. Phillips cussed out Cincinnati Enquirer writer C. Trent Rosecrans in August of last season for simply tweeting a fact:
Reds go from a hitter with a .320 OBP in the 2 hole to one with a .310 OBP
— ctrent (@ctrent) August 28, 2013
Combine that with an offseason of trade rumors and negative pieces written about the Reds 10-year veteran, Phillips has decided to take a new approach.
He’s giving the media the silent treatment.
Whether the treatment had it’s desired effect or not remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain:
The Reds clubhouse will be a lot quieter for as long as it lasts.
Follow OPSN Lead Writer Shawn Ferris on Twitter @RealShawnFerris for more MLB news, updates, and analysis.
Filed under: 2014 Season, Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati Reds, Spring Training Tagged: 2nd base, Baseball, Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati Reds, MLB, silent treatment, Spring Training
